Kuari pass, another mesmerizing trek in Garhwal Himalaya with delightful sights of snow capped peaks . Best views of Nanda devi, Dronagiri, Hathi, Gauri peaks and many more are relished during the trek. The trail goes through Oak, pine and rhododendron forest , providing beautiful camping locations and meadows on the way.
Kuari pass is first preference of many beginner trekkers, however becomes little more thrilling during winter months. The trek starts from Dhak village near Joshimath and one can visit Badrinath after concluding the 5 day trek.
Easy
5 Days
3800 m (12500ft)
Min 4 Max 16
12 yr to 60 yr
Reach Tapoban basecamp 3 kms from Dhak. Transport from Rishikesh will be arranged as per requirement. It costs Rs. 6,000 per Bolero (5-6 seater), and Rs. 9,000 per Tempo Traveller (12-13 seater) for the transport one way. This amount is shared by trekkers. Pick up will be at 6.00 am. You will reach the base camp, Dhak by 5 pm.
From Tapoban, drive down to Karchhi (7 kms). Trek starts from Karchhi village. The trail goes through a series of level walks and gradual ascents along farms. The mountain ridge here is barren with few or no presence of snow-fall in the winter season. Look out below for Dhauli-Ganga River forging its way past Vishnugad-Tapovan Hydro Power Station. The trail is well defined and meanders along the mountain ridge with a series of steep and gradual ascents. Dronagiri stands out prominently among the mountains all the time you’re on this trail. It’ll take you about 30 minutes to cross the last settlement. The water source that you find after the last hut is safe for refilling your water bottles.
It will take 1.5 – 2 hours to reach Guling from here. The trail is a mix of steep and moderate climbs. Around 15 minutes before Guling, the first oaks appear and you are soon inside a mixed forest.
The trail today ascends all the way to Khullara but it’s not as steep as the previous day. Within 40 minutes of starting from Guling, you reach the first clearing. You will be surrounded by oak forests on all sides. Continue on the trail leading into the forest. You will reach the second clearing after about an hour. All this time, you will cross small streams along the trail. The water in them is clean and you can drink it. Throughout the day, you see Dronagiri to the left, slightly at the back. You will also get glimpses of the Hathi Ghoda peaks. The peek-a-boo that the mountains play through the forests makes for very enchanting sights.
The trail from Khullara begins to climb steeply out of the tree line. In 1-1.5 hours you reach a ridge, which is a part of Lord Curzon’s trail. From here 360 degree views of the Himalayas open up before you. On one side you see Chaukhamba, Neelkanth, Dronagiri, Nilgiri and Hathi Ghoda peaks. Straight ahead of you are Trishul and parts of Nanda Devi. Continue on this trail to reach the upper grasslands of Kuari Pass.
From the ridge, trek up to Kuari top. This is a moderate climb with a few switchbacks. It will take you 40 minutes to reach the top.
From Kuari Pass, retrace your way back to the ridge. Once you reach the ridge, walk along ahead instead of turning towards Khullara. An hour’s moderate climb will bring you to Jhandi top, which is on top of the ridge. The views from Jhandi top are even better that what you get at Kuari Pass.
From Jhandi Top, start descending towards the Chitrakantha meadows. After the meadow ends the trail goes through dense oak forest, 4o mins later you’ll find the campsite along a water stream.
Begin the trek today with a moderate climb to Tali lake. This should take you around 40 minutes. At Tali lake, you’re above the tree line so you start getting mountain views again. After about 40 minutes of moderate ascent, the overhanging trail ends abruptly at Gorson Bugyal.
At Gorson Bugyal, the trail turns sharply to the left. Wide mountain views open up to the right and behind you. You will trek across the entire length of Gorson Bugyal, which gives you enough time to savour the views. Within 3 hours you will reach the upper ski slopes of Auli. Once you reach Auli, drive down to Joshimath and stay overnight.
Drive from Joshimath to Rishikesh. The transport costs Rs 6,000 per Bolero (5-6 seater) and Rs 9,000 per Tempo Traveller (12-13 seater). You will reach Rishikesh by 7.00 pm
By Air :- Jolly Grant Airport is the airport serving Dehradun, located about 28 km from the Rishikesh. There is a daily flight from Delhi for Dehradun, reach Rishikesh one day early if coming by flight.
By Train :- An excellent rail network connects Rishikesh to other important cities like Delhi, Mussoorie, Mumbai, Varanasi, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
By Bus:- There is regular bus service from Delhi to Haridwar, from Delhi ISBT Kashmere Gate. Usually buses drop you at Haridwar bus station. From there you have to come to Rishikesh.
Himalayan Tahr’s Tata Sumo or similar vehicles will pick-up you from Rishikesh Railway Station at 6:30am.
You will reach Joshimath by 5:00 pm
Food from Rishikesj to Joshimath is not included in the trek cost
The trek fees includes
The trek fees does not include Transport to and from the base camp – We will arrange shared taxis for trekkers to pick you up from Rishikesh and drop you back. This will cost approx. Rs. 6,000 per 5-6 seater vehicle one way. You will have to share this cost with the other trekkers
